5 Reasons to Holiday in Ireland

July 20, 2015

Ireland is such a beautiful and charming country, with so much to offer to all its visitors. From the Wild Atlantic Way across to Ireland’s Ancient East, there is so much to be explored and the best way to do this is by having a Farmhouse B&B as your base! Here are my top 5 reasons to vacation in Ireland this year:

The People

Anybody who has ever been to Ireland will agree with me when I say that the Irish people are what make this country so special. Irish locals are always friendly, warm and helpful to visitors, and love extending their famous ‘céad míle fáilte’ to all! Wherever you choose to stay in Ireland, the conversation will be flowing and the craic will be mighty!

The Beauty

It is an undeniable fact that Ireland is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. With stunning scenery, breath-taking coastlines and unspoilt landscapes, this little island has it all. From Malin Head at the very top of the country, to Mizen Head at the very bottom, and everywhere in between, there are so many fantastic sights to be seen where great memories can be made.

The Charm

It is the age-old cliché associated with Ireland but the Irish charm is something that cannot be forgotten! From quaint little villages to lively cities, Ireland has a special charm about it that you can’t help but fall in love with. It is unique to the Emerald Isle and while visiting, you will feel as if you are part of something truly extraordinary.

The Attractions

For a country so small, Ireland fairly packs in an exciting range of attractions to visit. No matter where your interests lie, there is something for everyone to appreciate. From fascinating historical and cultural sites, to famous landmarks and places of natural beauty, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding your holiday itinerary!

The Activities

Ireland’s unspoilt landscapes and remarkable rivers, lakes and seas, make it the ideal location for outdoor activities. From hiking and cycling, to horse-riding and golfing, all hobbies are catered for. Water-sports are also a speciality, with great facilities for angling, surfing, kayaking and so much more. Ireland is a haven for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts!

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Tags: holidays to Irelanr, Irish Farmhouse holidays, Things to do and see, Vacations to Ireland

Irish Farmhouse Brown Bread Recipe

April 9, 2015

Irish Farmhouse B&Bs include home-cooking and baking as part of the farm-stay experience for their guests. Traditional Irish brown bread is delicious and bed and breakfasts in Ireland tend to serve it with breakfast in the mornings or complementary along with tea/coffee on arrival. Real butter and home-made jam on a slice of Irish brown bread is a tasty treat that everyone should try!

This is a great brown bread recipe that you could try yourself at home.

Ingredients

12 ozs extra coarse brown wheaten meal
8 ozs plain strong white flour
3 handfuls of bran
2 handfuls of wheat germ
1 tsp baking powder
11/4 – 11/2 pints of fresh milk
1 dessertspoon treacle
1 dessertspoon oil
1 level teaspoon salt

Method

Preheat oven to 240C/475F.
Prepare 2 x 2lb loaf tins greased.
In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients.
Add treacle and oil to lesser amount of milk and stir into dry mix.
The mixture at this stage should be soft and moist. If too dry add some more milk, but do not make it too wet.
Spoon mixture into the prepared tins and smooth tops, making a slight hollow along the centre of each.
Sprinkle with bran or sesame seeds.
Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 150C/300F and continue to bake for a further 30 minutes.
Remove bread from oven and turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool.

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Tags: bed and breakfast homes in Ireland, Farmhouse home-cooking, Farmhouse recipes, Vacations to Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way

March 25, 2015

The Wild Atlantic Way coastal route on the west coast of Ireland has all the ingredients that make for a fantastic holiday experience. 2,400km of beautiful unspoilt natural landscapes that will, without doubt, take your breath away!

Counties

The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal driving route in the world. The spectacular Atlantic coastline encompasses the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork, each one offering unique experiences. The route is well signposted and can be joined at any point. You don’t have to complete it all in one vacation, in fact, it’s best to break your journey up into sections and spend a few days exploring each location.

Céad mile Fáilte

Farmhouse B&Bs make ideal accommodation bases and will definitely add to your Wild Atlantic Way adventure. You’ll receive a warm Céad Míle Failte and you’ll experience the true meaning of Irish hospitality. Relax and enjoy tranquil surroundings with hosts that will make sure you have everything you need. They’ll guide you on the must-see sights that make the Wild Atlantic Way so special, from the most famous landmarks including the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and the Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Donegal to the lesser known hidden gems that don’t appear in the official guide books.

See and Do

No matter where you decide to base yourself along the route, there will be plenty of sites to see, historical ruins, castles, secluded beaches and scenic harbours that will have you reaching for your camera. You will love the friendly towns and villages along the way, with charming restaurants and quaint pubs where fresh seafood is a specialty on the menu. The west coast of Ireland is a haven for outdoor leisure pursuits, so whatever your passion, from walking and cycling, to sailing and golf, your interests will be catered for.

Tags: B&BS in Ireland, bed and breakfast homes in Ireland, Coastal drives in Ireland, coastal routes, Farmhouse B&B Hosts, Holidays to Ireland, Vacations to Ireland, West of Ireland